Translation guide
In Japanese, 'plaid' is most commonly expressed with チェック (check), a loanword from English. The traditional Japanese word 格子 (こうし) refers to a lattice or grid pattern and can be used for plaid, but チェック is far more common in everyday fashion contexts. For specific types of plaid, such as tartan, タータンチェック or 格子縞 (こうしじま) may be used.
Referring to a pattern of crossed horizontal and vertical bands in multiple colors, or fabric with such a pattern.
The most common and natural way to say 'plaid' in Japanese. Used for clothing, accessories, and fabric patterns. It is a loanword from English 'check'.
このシャツはチェック柄です。
This shirt has a plaid pattern.
チェックのスカートが欲しい。
I want a plaid skirt.
Literally 'lattice' or 'grid', this word can refer to a plaid or check pattern, but it is less common in fashion and more often used in architecture or design. It may sound slightly formal or technical.
A more traditional term for a check or plaid pattern, literally 'lattice stripe'. It is less common in modern conversation and may appear in literary or historical contexts.
In Japanese, チェック (check) is the standard word for plaid patterns. It is often combined with 柄 (がら, pattern) as in チェック柄 (plaid pattern). When describing clothing, you can simply say チェックの [item] (e.g., チェックのシャツ, plaid shirt).
fabric with a lattice pattern
Specifically refers to tartan plaid, the traditional Scottish pattern. Used when you want to emphasize the tartan style.
タータンチェックのマフラー
a tartan plaid scarf
格子縞の着物
a kimono with a plaid pattern